Evolution Korea
In the past the Korean scientific community avoided engaging with creationists for fear of giving the movement more credibility. But silence is no longer an option.
The STR has been fighting to remove the content on evolution from textbooks, including the discovery that the feathered Archaeopteryx was an ancestral bird. This is only one aspect of how the development paradigm has changed.
What is Evolution?
Evolution is a scientific theory that explains the evolution of the genetic characteristics of living organisms over time. The theory is based on the fact that living organisms adapt to their environment and this can lead to changes in genes, or even entire genomes. Over many generations, these changes can lead to the emergence new species. The most popular theory of evolution is called natural selection, which explains the process by which individuals with advantageous characteristics survive and reproduce more frequently than those with disadvantages. In time, this disparity in reproduction can result in the creation of entirely new species.
The term "evolution" originates from Latin for unrolling or revealing has been used in many different ways as the concept has changed in both science and elsewhere. Some early evolutionists, including Jean Baptiste de Lamarck and Erasmus Darwin (Charles's grandfather) believed that existing species changed into other species in a certain way. Etienne Geoffroy St-Hilaire was Lamarck's embryologist disciple who coined the term "transmutation" to describe this theory. Charles Lyell, who published the second volume of his Principles of Geology in 1833 opposed this notion and borrowed the term "evolution" from Geoffroy's student to describe the notion that existing species change into different species in a gradual and predictable way.
Evolutionary biologists define it more recently as a process in which living things develop characteristics that increase their chances of living or producing offspring. In time, genetic variation can cause a population acquire new physical characteristics or biological functions. Natural selection is the main force behind the most evolutionary changes. Changes that are not genetic, like an increase in muscle mass due to exercise or diet, cannot be considered to be evolutionary because they aren't passed down to the next generation.
Despite the fact that evolution has stood the tests of time and thousands of scientific studies Creationists have taken advantage of the notion that the theory is controversial to argue that it should not be taught in schools. In South Korea, creationists have had a few wins in their fight to remove evolution from high school textbooks and have also gotten rid of any references to the evolutionary roots of humans, as well as the Archaeopteryx, a feathered dinosaur that is thought to be the ancestral bird's parent.
Why is Evolution important to humanity?
Evolution is the explanation for the origins of Earth and all living species. It also serves as a basis of biology, and aids scientists understand how living organisms work and grow. Evolution also reveals the relationships between different species. Scientists study evolution in order to better comprehend nature and make important discoveries such as new treatments.
The evidence for evolution is overwhelming. No other scientific theory explains as much about the universe and the life on this planet. It has been rigorously studied and verified for many years. Many people, including some religious leaders, support the scientific theory of evolution. It is essential to remember that evolutionary biology does not interfere with religious beliefs since it only focuses on physical objects, events and processes.
In reality, many religious people have discovered ways to reconcile their beliefs with the theory of evolution. Certain Christians for instance, believe that God created everything through evolution and that humans have an ancestral connection to other animals.
It is important that scientists and educators speak out for the teaching of evolution. Unfortunately, in a few nations around the world, anti-evolution sentiment is growing. In the United States, efforts to restrict the teaching of evolution have made some headway in a few states. In South Korea, a group called the Society for Textbook Revise, an offshoot from the Korea Association for Creation Research (KAC) is a campaign for textbooks to include content on the evolutionary history of horses and their Avian ancestor Archaeopteryx.
It is crucial to keep in mind, however, that the evidence in favor of evolution is overwhelming. The evidence for evolution is based on a variety of sources, including fossils, genetics and the behavior of living creatures. The evidence is also independently verified by other scientists.
The vast majority of scientists believe in the theory of evolution. The reason for this is various reasons. Some scientists study evolution to make practical discoveries for example, such as the development of treatments or developing new medicines, while others are driven by an interest in improving the quality of life for animals and plant species, usually to benefit humans. Some are simply curious, whereas others have a profound religious belief in God and seek to know how the universe works.
What is Creationism?
Creationists believe that God created everything in the universe. They also believe that the Bible is God's word and should be taken literally. Although not all creationists are Christian, many are. see this are typically divided into two groups: Young Earth Creationists (YEC) or old earth creationists.
YECs are the most well known form of creationist, and they believe that God created the world exactly as described in the Bible. YECs believe that the biblical account of the creation's six days is true, and that the universe and the life on Earth started only recently.
OECs might not be as known, but their beliefs are as fierce as those of YECs. OECs believe that the universe and Earth are billions of years old, and believe that evolution is a lie.
Both forms of creationism deny that scientific principles such as biogenesis and natural selection could explain how life began on Earth. They claim that evolution isn't possible because it requires an extraordinary event, and that the scientists who founded modern science eschewed miracles for fear that they would lose credibility.
Some creationists accept naturalistic evolution as well as special creation, and call their view "theistic evolution." It is sometimes called "continuous creationism" or "evolution from created kinds." This theory states that God creates original species and allows them to change over time. In the end, these evolutionary changes will result in new species similar to the original ones.
Other creationists hold that God created the universe and all living things during a single event, called the Great Flood. Creationists believe that all the species of the beginning were created at the same moment and then gradually evolved. They also reject the idea of abiogenesis and argue that the self-replicating creation of organisms from nonliving matter is unattainable.
In general, the creationists are against teaching of evolution in schools. This position is supported by a myriad of professional associations, including the National Science Teachers Association, the Association for Science Teacher Education, the American Anthropological Association, and the Geological Society of America. However, some researchers and educational institutions are more flexible and permit the inclusion of both evolution and creationism in their curricula.
What is Creationism in Korea?
When people think of the concept of creationism, a lot think of the United States. South Korea also has an anti-evolutionist group. The publishers of textbooks for high school students have recently declared that they will be removing references to evolution from their textbooks. The Society for Textbook Revise, an independent body which is an offshoot of the Korea Association for Creation Research (KACCR) has been the driving force behind this drive. STR has achieved its first victory in eliminating examples of the evolution of the horse and an avian ancestor called the Archeopteryx in textbooks. The next step is to take out excerpts from Darwin’s infamous finch-research as well as on human evolution.
STR claims to have the support of around 4,000 families and individuals. The goal, according to STR is to cleanse the world of what it calls "atheist materialism" which paints an unflattering image for students. It also hopes to combat the influence of American creationists in the country. A survey of trainee biology teachers found that about half do not believe in evolution. The reasons aren't clear, but could include religious beliefs or the absence of creation scientists in the United States.
The KACR accomplished a number of things through its seminars and lectures in the past. It publishes a bimonthly magazine, Creation, and has published books. One of these was a textbook on natural sciences with a cosmological perspective. It sparked interest among college communities. In 1991, a professor along with a minister began teaching Creation Science at one university. It is still taught in the present.
On August 7 and 8 the 7th of August 1993, which coincided with the World Expo opened in Daejeon, KACR held a second International Symposium on Creation Research. Six lecturers from abroad including ICR's John Morris, Duane Gish, and Steven Austin spoke to audiences of several thousand. KACR and its members have given lectures on creation science at major seminaries as well. KACR is planning to create a Creation Science Education Center.